shrift

noun

ˈshrift 

 especially Southern  ˈsrift

1

archaic

a

: a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation

b

: the act of shriving : confession

2

obsolete : confessional

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English scrift, from scrīfan to shrive — more at shrive

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shrift

• short shrift

Kids Definition

shrift

noun

ˈshrift 

archaic

: the confession of sins to a priest or the hearing of a confession by a priest